I think I feel the same way David felt when he fell Goliath and said, "Is this real life?" It's unbelievable. Training started and in less than a month I will be flying to Budapest. I've acknowledged that I will be returning to Hungary; I can envision that, but returning to Hungary for my job is something I am just beginning to comprehend. The idea just hasn't set in. Everyday, though, I begin to understand my role better. Living in Budapest -- I can do that. Touring Europe -- I can do that. Being a teammate -- I can do that. Teaching ESL -- I can do better.
Besides challenging my faith and learning about the Hungarian culture, I am learning about how to teach. We have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) class daily followed by teaching ESL in the evening. (Planning a lesson in one hour for a four minute class). It's a lot of stress, but it is pushing me to succeed as a teacher. With every day that I teach, I learn more about humility and gain more confidence.
The training schedule is strenuous, nerve-wracking, and long -- boot camp. Everyday we begin at 7am and end at 10pm, with small breaks intermixed. It is hard, but it is fun and very rewarding. During this month, your constant prayers are a blessing, and I ask for continued prayers for the following:
- Energy and the drive to continue to learn and to put my heart in my work.
- For the other teams going to other countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Kazahkstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, and North Africa)
- For open communication in my team.
- For additional support. (I have reached $3,000 of $12,000. Please pray about it and spread the word.)
I'm still learning how to blog well so please bear with me as I find a good length -- I've been dreaming of epic blogs. Blogs that are in the works are the following:
1. Why desperate distractions?
2. How did I come to Teach Overseas?
